U.S. patent number 4,825,563 [Application Number 07/134,087] was granted by the patent office on 1989-05-02 for shoe protector.
Invention is credited to Murray Strongwater.
United States Patent |
4,825,563 |
Strongwater |
May 2, 1989 |
Shoe protector
Abstract
A device for protecting a shoe having a rear portion with a
heel, a front portion, right and left side portions and a sole, the
device including a rear protecting section which substantially
covers the entire area of the rear portion including the heel; a
front protecting section which substantially covers the entire area
of the front portion; a right side protecting section which
substantially covers the entire area of the right side portion and
which connects the rear protecting section and the front protecting
section together; a left side connecting section which connects the
rear protecting section and the front protecting section together
along the left side of the shoe, the left side connecting section
being stretchable to provide snug fitting of the device on
different size shoes; and a removable securing strap which prevents
accidental removal of the device from the shoe.
Inventors: |
Strongwater; Murray (Woodmere,
NY) |
Family
ID: |
22461718 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/134,087 |
Filed: |
December 17, 1987 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/73; 36/7.1R;
36/72B; 36/72R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
3/16 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
3/16 (20060101); A43B 023/30 (); A43B 013/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;36/72R,72B,73,71.5,7.1R,7.2,7.3,7.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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620851 |
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Apr 1927 |
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FR |
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637526 |
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May 1928 |
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FR |
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33983 |
|
Apr 1929 |
|
FR |
|
2126871 |
|
Apr 1984 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Meyers; Steven N.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Lerner; Henry R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for protecting a shoe having a rear portion with a
heel, a front portion, right and left side portions and a sole,
said device comprising:
rear protecting means for substantially covering the entire area of
said rear portion including the heel;
front protecting means for substantially covering the entire area
of said front portion;
said front protecting means being spaced from the rear protecting
means a substantial distance along the bottom of the shoe so that
the major portion of the sole is uncovered by the protecting
device;
right side protecting means for substantially covering the entire
area of said right side portion and for connecting said rear
protecting means and said front protecting means together;
left side connecting means for connecting said rear protecting
means and said front protecting means together along the left side
of the shoe;
at least one of said right side protecting means and said left side
connecting means being stretchable to provide snug fitting of said
device on different size shoes.
2. a device according to claim 1; wherein the heel has a bottom and
a curved side wall, and said rear portion of the shoe also includes
a curved end wall positioned above the curved side wall, and said
rear protecting means includes bottom panel means for substantially
covering the bottom of the heel and curved panel means connected to
said bottom panel means for substantially covering the curved side
wall and the curved end wall of the rear portion of the shoe.
3. A device according to claim 2; wherein each of said bottom panel
means and said curved panel means includes at least one slit, and
said heel protecting means further includes elastic insert means
for closing each slit to provide an adjustable fit around the heel
of different size shoes.
4. A device according to claim 3; wherein said bottom panel means
includes a first slit extending along a substantially central
longitudinal plane of the shoe and said curved panel means includes
a second slit extending along said longitudinal plane of the shoe
and being contiguous with said first slit.
5. A device according to claim 2; wherein said bottom panel means
and said curved panel means are made from a relatively flexible,
non-elastic material.
6. A deivce according to claim 5; wherein said bottom panel means
and said curved panel means are each made from two superposed
layers, an inner one of said layers made from polyvinyl chloride
and the other outer layer made from leather.
7. A device according to claim 1; wherein said front protecting
means includes bottom panel means for substantially covering a
forward portion of the sole of the shoe and curved upper panel
means connected to said bottom panel means for substantially
covering the front portion of the shoe.
8. A device according to claim 7; wherein said curved upper panel
means is made from a relatively flexible, elastic material.
9. A device according to claim 1; wherein said right side
protecting means has a first end connected to the right side of
said rear protecting means and a second, opposite end connected to
the right side of said front protecting means.
10. A device according to claim 1; wherein said left side
connecting means is made from a stretchable material to permit
lengthwise adjustment of said device about different size
shoes.
11. A device according to claim 1; further including removable
securing strap means for preventing accidental removal of said
device from the shoe, said securing strap means having a free end
and an opposite end connected to one of said right side protecting
means and said rear protecting means, said free end having first
securing means thereon, and said device further including second
securing means on the other of said right side protecting means and
said rear protecting means for engaging said first securing means
so as to secure said securing strap means about a respective ankle
of a wearer of the device.
12. A device according to claim 11; wherein one of said first and
second securing means includes a plurality of fabric hooks and the
other of said first and second securing means includes a fabric
engageable by said hooks.
13. A device according to claim 1; wherein said right side
protecting means includes a portion extending underneath the shoe
so as to protect the right side edge of the shoe.
14. A device according to claim 1; wherein said rear protecting
means comprise a constructed semi-rigid heel receiving section
complementary to the heel of the shoe.
15. A device according to claim 1; wherein the heel has a bottom
and a curved side wall, and said rear portion of the shoe also
includes a curved end wall positioned above the curved side wall,
and said rear protecting means includes bottom panel means for
substantially covering the bottom of the heel and curved panel
means connected to said bottom panel means for substantially
covering the curved side wall and the curved end wall of the rear
portion of the shoe, said curved panel means terminating in front
portions unattached to each other to enable the shoe of the user to
be inserted in the device without interference.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to footwear protectors, and more
particularly, is directed to a shoe protector to prevent scuffing
and marring of the heel, rear portion, front portion and right side
portion of the right shoe of the driver of an automobile.
When driving an automobile vehicle, various portions of the right
shoe come into contact with the car floor and the pedals, causing
scuffing of the shoe. In this regard, shoe protectors having
various shapes and various structural features, are well-known in
the art, but have been found, however, to protect only limited
portions of the shoe.
For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 242,090; Des. 283,751; Des.
286,460; Des. 288,382; 1,442,028; 1,708,964; 1,830,912; 2,988,830;
3,066,427; 3,104,479; 4,249,321; 4,461,100; and 4,577,418 disclose
devices for protecting only the heel of a shoe. Other devices that
protect the heel and also extend slightly forward of the heel are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 281,739 and 3,983,641. However,
these latter devices also protect only a small portion of the shoe,
and specifically do not protect the toe portion of the shoe.
Devices which protect only the toe portion of a shoe and/or
additional small portions of the shoe, are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. Des. 147,011; 461,492; 900,499; 1,304,593; 2,436,187;
2,552,700; 2,657,477; 3,319,362; and 3,324,579. These devices,
however, fail to protect the heel of the shoe.
Other devices have been developed which are intended to cover both
the toe and heel portions and/or other intermediate portions, of
the shoe. For example, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos.
1,110,045; 1,620,935; 2,032,793; and 2,078,444. In many cases where
the device covers the entire shoe, such as described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 1,110,045; 2,032,793; and 2,078,444, the device functions as a
second shoe or an overshoe. Such devices are, however, cumbersome
and uncomfortable. In actuality, it would be easier to wear a
rubber stretchable overshoe, which are, however, hot and
uncomfortable.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,620,935 discloses a device that covers a
substantial part of the shoe. However, the device does not cover
the lower and bottom part of the heel of the shoe, where most of
the scuffing takes place during driving. Further, the device covers
the entire sole portion of the shoe and would therefore tend to be
heavy and uncomfortable. As a result, the device would impede the
sensitivity of feel that a driver requires in order to control the
foot pressure on the gas and brake pedals. Furthermore, there is an
exposed area on the right upper side of the shoe, close to the
heel, and this area is in constant contact with a raised area of
the vehicle near the floor board, whereby it would be subject to
substantial scuffing. Lastly, the device is not secured over the
ankle of the driver and therefore tends to slip off the driver's
shoe, which is dangerous and could lead to an accident.
Reference is also made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 237,887 and 559,254 which
merely disclose sandal type devices which fit directly over the
foot of the person.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a shoe
protector which avoids the problems encountered in the prior art
which constitutes a vast improvement over prior devices.
A shoe, if left unprotected, is easily scuffed when the wearer
thereof is engaged in driving his car, transforming a brand new
shoe into one that has clearly lost it new look, possibly in a
matter of minutes.
The shoe protector in accordance with the invention provides the
shoe with complete protection from scuffing, in the heel and back
area, in the entire right side of the shoe where the shoe upper and
sole meet to create an edge and in the entire frontal edge of the
shoe.
Further, the shoe protector in accordance with the invention is
provided at selected locations with expandable stretch material in
order to provide adjustability and to enable the shoe protector to
be put on and removed with the greatest of ease and the greatest of
speed.
The left side of the shoe protector is provided with an elastic
shirred strap which extends between the shoe and heel areas to
provide a snug fit while at the same time providing adjustability.
The heel portion of the shoe protector is constructed and/or
engineered to provide some measure of rigidity and is in
complementary, conformity with the heel of the shoe. The right side
of the protector extends underneath the right side of the shoe to
fully protect the right side edges of the shoe which are most
exposed and vulnerable to scuffing during driving.
It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide
a shoe protector in which the heel portion is protected on the left
and right sides, the center back side and the entire bottom part
thereof.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a shoe
protector which fits snugly around shoes of all sizes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoe
protector in which an elastic material connects the heel and toe
protecting section to provide an adjustable fitting for shoes of
different lengths.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a
shoe protector that includes a stretchable toe protecting section
that covers the entire front portion of the shoe while also
providing an adjustable fitting for shoes of different sizes, such
heel protecting section being an engineered constructed section
adapted to conform to the heel of the shoe.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a
side protector that includes a stretchable heel protecting section
that covers the entire rear portion of the shoe while also
providing an adjustable fitting for shoes of different sizes.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoe
protector that includes securing means that extend above the ankle
of the wearer to prevent accidental removal of the shoe protector
from the shoe during driving.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
shoe protector with the aforementioned advantages that is made of a
flexible material that can be compactly and conveniently stored and
carried, and that is comfortable to wear.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a shoe
protector that does not take away from the feel of the brake and
gas pedals by the wearer.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a protecting
device for a shoe having a rear portion with a heel, a front
portion, right and left side portions, and a sole includes rear
protecting means for substantially covering the entire area of the
rear portion including the heel; front protecting means for
substantially covering the entire area of the front portion; right
side protecting means for substantially covering the entire area of
the right side portion and for connecting the rear protecting means
and the front protecting means together; and left side connecting
means for connecting the rear protecting means and the front
protecting means together along the left side of the shoe; and at
least one of the right side protecting means and the left side
connecting means being stretchable to provide snug fitting of the
shoe protector on different size shoes.
The shoe protector, in accordance with the invention, protects the
driver's right shoe from scuffing at all points where the shoe
would normally come into contact with the car floor, the pedals and
other portions of the car interior.
The shoe protector in accordance with the invention is of light
weight and is secure in place. It cannot inadvertently slip off nor
does it take away from the driver's ability to feel the car pedals,
such constituting a further improvement over the prior art.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description which is to be read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe protector according to the
present invention, shown being worn over a shoe;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe protector of FIG. 1,
taken along line 2--2 thereof;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe protector of FIG. 1,
taken along line 3--3 thereof;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shoe protector
of FIG. 1, taken along line 4--4 thereof;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shoe protector of FIG. 1, shown
apart from a shoe;
FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the shoe protector in
FIG. 1; and
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 7--7 of FIG.
6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings in detail, a device 10 for protecting a
shoe 12 having a rear portion 14 with a heel 16, a front portion
18, right and left sides 20 and 22, and a sole 23, generally
includes a rear protecting section 24 for substantially covering
the entire area of the rear portion 14 of shoe 12, a front
protecting section 26 for substantially covering the entire area of
the front portion 18 of shoe 12, a right shoe protecting portion 28
for substantially covering the entire right side 20 of shoe 12 and
for connecting rear protecting section 24 and front protecting
section 26 together, and a left side connecting section 30 for
connecting rear protecting section 24 and front protecting section
26 together along the left side 22 of shoe 12.
Heel 16 includes a bottom 16a and a curved side wall 16b, and rear
portion 14 also includes a curved end wall 14a situated above
curved side wall 16b and connected to heel 16. Rear protecting
section 24 covers bottom 16a and curved side wall 16b of heel 16
and curved end wall 14a. In this regard, rear protecting section 24
includes a bottom panel 32 which substantially covers bottom 16a of
heel 16 and a curved panel 34 connected to bottom panel 32 and
which substantially covers curved side wall 16b of heel 16 and
curved end wall 14a of rear portion 14 of shoe 12.
In order to permit stretching of rear protecting section 24, an
elastic insert is built into it. Specifically, bottom panel 32
includes a slit 38 and curved panel 34 of rear protecting section
24 likewise includes a slit 40, slits 38 and 40 both being
substantially colinear and extending along an imaginary
longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally along the
length of shoe 12. Slits 38 and 40 are closed by elastic insert
materials 42 and 44, respectively, to permit stretching of rear
protecting section 24 in the lateral or transverse direction of
shoe 12. Thus, rear protecting section 24 is adjustable to
accommodate different size shoes therein. Rear protecting section
24 may be an engineered and constructed section which gives it
appreciable rigidity and which has a profile complementary to the
heel of the shoe.
Front protecting section 26 covers front portion 18 of shoe 12 and
the forward portion of sole 23. Thus, front protecting section 26
includes a bottom panel 46 which substantially covers the forward
portion of sole 23, and a curved upper panel 48 connected to bottom
panel 46 and which substantially covers front setion 18 of shoe 12.
Preferably, curved upper panel 48 is made from an elastic material
which is similar to that of elastic insert material 42 of rear
protecting section 24. This enables the front portion 18 of
different size shoes to fit snugly within front protecting section
26. It is important that front protecting section 26 protect front
portion 18 of shoe 12 from raised portions of the vehicle that is
being driven, while also permitting the driver to adequately feel
the pressure, that is, the touch, of the gas and brake pedals,
thereby providing greater safety when driving.
Right side protecting section 28 connects the right sides of rear
protecting section 24 and front portecting section 26, and in a
preferred embodiment, connects the right side of curved panel 34 of
rear protecting section 24 and the right side of bottom panel 46 of
front protecting section 26. When driving an automotive vehicle,
the right side 20 of the right shoe 12 often hits against the
raised portion of the floor adjacent the gas peddle, causing
scuffing and marring of the right side 20 of this shoe. It is
therefore an important aspect of the present invention that right
side protecting section 28 also protect substantially the entire
right side 20 of shoe 12. In this regard, as best shown in FIG. 6,
right side protecting section 20 substantially covers the entire
right side 20 of the right shoe 12. Further, as best shown in FIG.
7, right side protecting section 28 has a portion 29 which extends
inwardly under the shoe proper to protect all the right side edges
of the shoe which are most vulnerable to scuffing.
Except as otherwise indicated, rear protecting section 24, front
protecting section 26 and right side protecting section 28 can be
made from any suitable material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
cloth, leather, vinyl or the like. In a preferred embodiment, these
sections are constructed in two layers, such that the inner layer
is formed from PVC and the outer layer is formed from leather on
all areas that are subjected most to constant and intense wear,
since leather is more durable than most other flexible materials.
Although it is possible to use PVC as the outer layer, this
material will scuff, mar and wear through in a shorter period of
time than leather. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a foam layer 55 may be
provided between the two layers to provide a cushioning effect.
The left side connecting section is defined by a strap 30 which
connects the left sides of rear protecting section 24 and front
protecting section 26, and in a preferred embodiment, connects the
left side of curved panel 34 of rear protecting section 24 and the
left side of curved upper panel 48 of front protecting section
26.
In order to permit adjustment of shoe protector 10 in the
lengthwise direction thereof for different size shoes, strap 30 is
stretchable, as hereafter described.
More specifically, strap 30 is formed by two elongated connecting
strips 50 and 52 superimposed on each other and connected to each
other along their longitudinal edges by stitching 54 or the like.
The front ends of strips 50 and 52 are connected to the left side
of curved panel 34 of rear protecting section 24 and the rear ends
of said strips are connected to the left side of curved upper panel
48 of front protection section 26. An elastic strip 56 is secured,
under tension, between connecting strips 50 and 52, with elastic
strip 56 also having its opposite ends connected to the left side
of curved panel 34 of rear protecting section 24 and the left side
of curved upper panel 48 of front protection section 26.
Accordingly, strap 30 is normally shirred and, when placed on the
wearer's shoes, is automatically stretched to insure a good
fit.
With the structure described above, the user merely inserts front
portion 18 of shoe 12 into front protecting section 26 and then
extends left side connecting section 30 rearwardly to permit the
rear portion 14 of shoe 12 to be positioned within rear protecting
section 24. When this is done, shoe protector 10 is positioned
snugly over shoe 12 to protect the same.
In order to ensure that shoe protector 10 will not accidently be
removed from shoe 12 while driving, which would be hazardous, a
securing strap 58 has one end connected to the upper end along
right side protecting section 28, and has a securing tab 60 on the
opposite free end thereof. A complementary securing tab 62 is
secured to the upper left side of curved panel 34 of rear
protecting section 24 for matingly engaging securing tab 60 so that
strap 58 is secured over the ankle of the user to prevent
accidental removal of the shoe protector 10 while driving. In a
preferred embodiment, securing tabs 60 and 62 can be constructed
from conventional male and female "Velcro"-elements. Securing strap
58 is stretchable, and in this regard, can be constructed in the
same manner as strap 30.
Thus, with the present invention, shoe protector 10 provides
complete protection to right side 12 of the driver of an automotive
vehicle, and specifically protects rear portion 14 including heel
16, front portion 18, and right side 20 of shoe 12. Further, shoe
protector 10 is adjustable to provide a snug fit for shoes of all
sizes and is made of a lightweight and pliable material, enabling
the protector to be compactly and conveniently stored and carried
and enabling the wearer to retain the feel on the brake and gas
pedal of the automotive vehicle. Further, the unique construction
aforedescribed permits the protector device to be most easily and
speedily put on and taken off.
Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention
with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated
that the present invention is not limited to that precise
embodiment, and that various changes and modifications may be
effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in
the appended claims.
* * * * *